Babble

I weaned my 18-month-old a week ago and I'm experiencing some serious breast pain and tenderness. We were down to nursing only once or twice a day, so the first couple of days after weaning seemed to be fine and I didn't have any real engorgement or discomfort. Now though, one of my breasts is really painful. I can only find information about clogged ducts if still nursing, but can't seem to find what to do if you've weaned. Any advice?! Any gradual weaners (weiners?!) out there experience this? If so, how long can I expect this discomfort to last? Thanks!

I'm a LLL leader, I would suggest some warm/hot packs and/or hot showers, pumping just minimally with either a hand pump or even hand expression to help relieve some of the pain and try to get the plug out.  Also you could try the cabbage leaf trick, like we recommend for new moms who are engorged to see if it would help.  I've always seen the best luck with hand expression, warm packs, and breast massage (from nipple to armpit).  Good luck, and congrats for breastfeeding your LO for such a long time!